Blair pays tribute to Diamond

Blair pays tribute to Diamond

Friday 2 March 2001 11.01 EST
First published on Friday 2 March 2001 11.01 EST

Tony Blair has paid tribute to the columnist John Diamond, who died today.

The Blairs had known Mr Diamond and his family for some time, and the writer's family had visited the Prime Minister's country residence, Chequers.

A statement from Mr Blair's press secretary said "The Prime Minister and Mrs Blair were saddened to hear the news of John's death. Their thoughts and prayers are with Nigella and the children, who have lost a much-loved husband and father."

The prime minister led a stream of tributes that poured in from different sections of the media.

The editor of the Times, Peter Stothard, said Mr Diamond's work had "shed light on a dark disease. That light will be his greatest legacy."

Roger Alton, editor of The Observer, another newspaper to which Diamond had been a regular contributor, added his tribute.

"He was one of the most lovable people I have ever known. No-one could meet him without having their spirits lifted.

"Despite knowing that he had a terminal illness for three years it is still hard to believe that he is dead.

"He was a wonderful, generous, kind, funny friend and a superb professional journalist," Mr Alton said.

The new editor of the Daily Express, Chris Williams, who described Mr Diamond as "a gifted writer and columnist who will be sadly missed. He was also a charming gentleman, who faced his illness with incredible courage."

Diamond's regular columns outlining his battle with the disease were praised by cancer charities for shedding light on the illness.

Sir Nicholas Young, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Relief, said his work did much to remove the taboo surrounding the disease.

"John's work to raise awareness of cancer, through his column and his support of cancer charities such as ourselves, did a huge amount to remove the taboo that is still felt by many people living with this illness," he said.

"This sad loss will be keenly felt, not only by those of us who had the privilege of meeting him, but also the legion of readers who followed his column.

"John was a positive example of someone who had cancer and continued to live life to the full. Our thoughts are with Nigella and his family."

Dominic Lawson, editor of The Sunday Telegraph, where Diamond was a columnist for three years, praised his professionalism.

"Somehow he never failed to turn out immaculate copy even though throughout that period he was undergoing, the most intensive and unpleasant treatment for his throat cancer.

Diamond's book, C: Because Cowards Get Cancer, was adapted for stage by journalist Victoria Coren.

The play entitled A Lump In My Throat was shown in London and at the Edinburgh Festival.

The BBC recently commissioned a television adaptation in which Diamond was due to appear.

"John was a sparkling, lovable, huge hearted man and a quite brilliant journalist. "It was incredible privilege to be one of his friends and a greater privilege still to be one of his readers," said Ms Coren.